who “stalk” city employees. But, apparently, they will not arrest yahoos who gun down innocent kids with skittles.

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release, March 28, 2012
For Further Information Contact: PIO@sanfordfl.gov

Sanford, Fla – March 28, 2012 — The City of Sanford kindly requests that members of the media refrain from approaching, phoning or emailing city employees when they are in their roles as private citizens. It has come to light that there have been a few incidents where city staff were followed and approached at their home or in settings outside of working hours.

Law enforcement officials will not hesitate to make an arrest for stalking….

It’s a kindly request because it doesn’t become stalking until you’re asked to stop. They’re asking you to please not do it once, and telling you they’ll arrest you if you do it twice. It’s the same as trespassing. You’re not doing it until you’ve been asked to leave and you don’t, or if it’s obvious that you’re aware that you’re not welcome, like breaking and entering.

Public officials need to be held accountable for the things they do, and the positions they take, but please keep it professional. They have offices and work in them for a reason. The moment you’re following someone home to ask questions about their job, it’s gone too far, and stalking is an appropriate word to use.